FCA recalls 1.4 million Ram trucks in North America over issue in tailgate locking

FCA US is voluntarily recalling an estimated 1.4 million pickup trucks in North America to upgrade their tailgate locking mechanisms after an investigation by the automaker has discovered the power locking mechanisms in the tailgates of certain pickups share a small internal component that may break over time. If this were to happen, the vehicle’s tailgate may unlatch. FCA US is unaware of any related injuries or accidents.

The recall involves 1.1 million trucks in the U.S., an estimated 260,315 units in Canada (est.) and approximately 19,432 vehicles in Mexico. An additional estimated of 25,361 units are located in certain markets outside the NAFTA region.

Among the affected models are all Ram 1500 light-duty pickup trucks with 5-foot-6-inch or 6-foot-4-inch beds and power locking tailgates built at Ram’s Warren, Michigan, plant from Oct. 8, 2014, through Dec. 15, 2017, or at Ram’s Saltillo plant from July 31, 2014, through July 31, 2017.

Other models recalled are all Ram 2500 heavy-duty pickup trucks with 6-foot-4-inch beds and power locking tailgates built at Ram’s Warren plant from Aug. 25, 2014, through Aug. 2, 2017, as well as Ram 3500 heavy-duty pickup trucks with 6-foot-4-inch beds and power locking tailgates built at Ram’s Warren plant from May 30, 2014, through Aug. 2, 2017.

Trucks equipped with manual tailgate locks are excluded from the campaign, as are those with eight-foot cargo beds. The redesigned-for-2019 Ram 1500 also is unaffected.

Customers will be notified when service becomes available. In the interim, FCA US reminds that all loose cargo should be secured while driving, as stated in the operating manuals of the affected vehicles.

Further, FCA US reminds customers that its trucks offer alternate features to accommodate load security, such as tie-down rings, cleats, high-friction bed-liners, bulkhead dividers, and bed-extenders.